Ritual tools: Pentacle ( also called an altar tile or paten)

What is it? Usually a flat, round tile, inscribed or stamped with certain symbols pertaining to their use. During the 'burning times' pentacles were often made from disposable materials such as wax or clay, for easy dis-assembly should the authorities come knocking.

What is it made from? Usually made from gold, silver, wood, brass, clay or wax, but can be fashioned from plaster if these are not available.


What is it used for? Placed in the centre of the altar during ritual. You may place objects to be consecrated on it, or objects to be used in ritual and/or magical rites. It can also be used as a concentration point of magical rites or meditation. Some traditions may also use it to summon the Goddess.

Symbolism and association: While it can be inscribed with many varying symbols, the most common of which is the pentagram (a five pointed star surrounded by a circle), but are also sometimes seen with runes, God and Goddess figures or other symbols. The altar pentacle is usually associated with the feminine aspect, north and the element of earth.


Where to find them: Pentacles can be bought from almost any pagan or metaphysical stores or websites but depending on your intentions and beliefs you may want to create your own, and inscribe it personally, any round flat piece of material will do in his case, temporary pentacles may even be fashioned out of paper if necessary.